'How can you know that?'
'From my knowledge of human nature, sir; and, in particular, my observation of your sub-species.'
'Try me, anyhow.'
'Very well. Change your lodging to-morrow, and never set foot in Howard Street again. There's my advice, and it's the best you'll ever get--and the last you'd ever think of following. Give me a cigarette if you want to continue this perfectly useless conversation.'
'But, my dear Heron, I'm anxious to do the wisest thing----'
'Not you!'
'But consider the plight of that poor girl.'
'Oh, come! This opens new ground. I thought I was engaged to advise you.'
'Certainly. But in relation to--to what we've been talking about.'
'H'm! In relation, you mean, to Fanny Pelly? Phoebus, what a name! I wonder if you know what you mean, Freydon! Let's assume you mean having equal regard to your own interests and those of your gin-drinking landlady's daughter. Hey?'